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Runoff Election Set!

Elections were held on May 16, 2017. However, a runoff election needs to be held for three positions: President, Vice President, and Sergeant at Arms. The runoff election is scheduled for May 18, 2017 from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at UAW Local 578 Union Hall, 2920 Oregon Street, Oshkosh,, Wisconsin. Be sure to come and vote!

Many UAW members look to their local to stay informed about union issues. That means locals need the skills to share information members want about union issues, contracts, committees and elections, particularly as we head into a busy election year in 2018 with congressional control at stake. The best way to improve union website, social media, writing, photography and video skills, or learn those skills for the first time, is to attend the UAW-LUCA (Local Union Communication Association) Conference at Black Lake, Oct. 29 through Nov. 3...

Bowling is serious business for many UAW members. You could tell by the concentration, determination, frustration and exhilaration on the bowlers’ faces as they competed in the UAW International Bowling Tournament...

“The events in Charlottesville this weekend will long serve as a reminder that time has a way of washing away the tears of the past where hate bullied many Americans both in society and in the workplace through intolerance.

“The UAW condemns the hate and intolerance of the alt-right groups that led to such violence in Charlottesville. Every woman and every man is equal in their civil and workplace rights regardless of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation in society and in the workplace. We cannot take our freedom for granted, and we cannot forget the lessons that history forged through the sacrifice of many brave Americans in our military, in labor and in our civil rights struggles to secure those freedoms.”

Independent presidential candidate Ross Perot in 1992 predicted there would be a “giant sucking sound” of jobs leaving the United States if the then-proposed North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was approved...

In today’s hyper-partisan political environment and 24- hour news cycle, avoiding distraction and keeping track of the decisions our elected leaders make can be next to impossible. The actions of Congress and the president impact the safety of our work environments, our wages, affordability of our health care, access to job training, quality of our children’s education, and so much more. It is for these reasons that we must make sure our voices are heard by our leaders...

DETROIT, MICH. – The UAW International Executive Board (IEB) on Tuesday passed a resolution calling for the release of unjustly charged and imprisoned trade unionists in South Korea, including President Han Sang-gyun of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) and KCTU General Secretary, Lee Young-joo. Specifically, the resolution calls on the Government of the Republic of Korea to “rescind all sentences and drop all charges against trade unionists that are related to peaceful protest, including those against President Han and General Secretary Lee...” Read more >>>

The 2016 elections are over; and, as you know, Mr. Trump and the Republicans now control the U.S. House, U.S. Senate, Supreme Court, and the White House. As a group they have wasted little time in trying to change health care, trade, immigration, and Social Security.

You, as UAW retirees, have fought long and hard for the benefits many working families currently enjoy. But these items, along with many others, are under attack. The UAW continues to lobby and fight, through the court system, to protect these issues along with collective bargaining rights, rights to organize and the right to peacefully assemble so our voices can be heard...

UAW President: My Union Suffered Some Setbacks, Here's What We're Doing About Them

The UAW has a proud history in the south with more than 55,000 active members and 60,000 retirees. Last year alone more than 1,323 workers in the south voted to join the UAW, including Volkswagen workers in Tennessee who came back after a defeat in 2014 and voted to join us. The reason for their support is clear: the UAW delivers for our members.

In 1979, Ronald Reagan announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination and in his speech he called for a “North American accord” which he said will produce “a North American continent in which the goods and people of the three countries will cross boundaries more freely.” It would take more than a decade for Reagan’s idea to come to fruition, but after Congress passed the Trade and Tariff Act of 1984 giving the president “fast-track” authority to negotiate free trade, Reagan could pursue his vision. Reagan passed the baton to President George H.W. Bush who continued negotiations with Mexico and Canada for a trade deal...

“The courageous workers of Nissan, who fought tirelessly for union representation alongside community and civil-rights leaders, should be proud of their efforts to be represented by the UAW. The result of the election was a setback for these workers, the UAW and working Americans everywhere, but in no way should it be considered a defeat.

“Perhaps recognizing they couldn’t keep their workers from joining our union based on the facts, Nissan and its anti-worker allies ran a vicious campaign against its own workforce that was comprised of intense scare tactics, misinformation and intimidation.

“American workers need champions more than ever. The workers of Nissan deserve to have the job security, safe working conditions and collective bargaining power that come only from belonging to a union. The UAW will continue to be on the frontlines of that fight for all workers.”

Triennual Election!

On April 8, 2017, nominations were taken at UAW Local 578 Union Hall. The election is scheduled for May 16, 2017 from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All elections will be held at UAW Local 578 Union Hall, 2920 Oregon Stree, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Please remember proper identification when coming to vote (work badge, union card, or drivers license).

Women's Committee Children's Easter Party

The annual Women's Committee Children's Easter Party is Saturday, April 22, 2017 at the UAW Local 578 Union Hall. The party starts at 9:00 a.m. An Easter egg hunt starts at 10:30 a.m. RSVP by contacting Sandy Drifka at the union hall at (920) 231-5153.

URGENT MESSAGE FROM UAW LOCAL 578 PRESIDENT BRENDA HOLLATZ: I want to let everyone that that LOCAL 291 AXLE TECH IS ON ULP STRIKE! They need our UAW Local 578 union’s help to walk with them starting today. Let’s go and help them, and show them our union brothers and sisters support on our off work hours.

January 2017 Fox Valley CAP Meeting Cancelled

Bob Mitchell, President of the Fox Valley CAP Council, has stated that the CAP meeting scheduled for tonight, January 12, 2017, has been CANCELLED due to the weather.

UAW Local 578 Retiree Holiday Party 2017

The retirees will be holding their holiday party on January 11, 2017 at UAW Local 578 union hall located at 2920 Oregon Street, Oshkosh, WI. Lunch will be served at 12:00 p.m. Please contact Ken Weitz at (920) 878-0760 to RSVP.

UAW Local 578 Wins First Place Award for Website!

Website Administrator for UAW Local 578, Sandy Drifka, was a delegate at the 2016 UAW LUCA Conference this August 20-26, 2016 in Black Lake. UAW Local 578 won First Place in the Website Contest for Best SolidWeb Website! Congratulations!

It's September! Membership Meetings Start Again!

Summer is almost over and it's time for membership meetings to begin again. Please be sure to attend the first membership meeting since May 2016. The meeting will be taking place on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 9:00 a.m.

Annual UAW Retirees Picnic

Wednesday, July 13, 2016 is the date for the UAW Retired Workers Council Annual Picnic. The picnic will be held in Oshkosh at South Park, South Park Avenue/Highway 44, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All retired UAW members are eliglble to attend. Come for lunch, refreshments, raffles and door prizes! See you there!

Nominations for Chief Steward (2 positions available) will be taken via ballot box starting May 24, 2016. All nominations must be received no later than May 31, 2016. Acceptance letters must be received no later than June 6, 2016. The ballot box is located at UAW Local 578 union hall.

Important Membership Meeting Coming Up!

The last Membership Meeting before summer break is Saturday, May 14, 2016. There will be much going on at this meeting, so be sure to attend.

Steve Krueger has resigned as President of UAW Local 578. Brenda Hollatz, currently Vice President, will now take over as President. Nominations for Vice President and Recording Secretary will take place at the May 14, 2016 Membership Meeting. The election will take place on May 24, 2016. See attached notice for more information: drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bVPmyyWf4OYmFDRWtuXzhYMTg/view

Also, Mark Harris and John Lemberger will be our special guest speakers at the May 14, 2016 Membership Meeting. They are both running for State Senate.

Join UAW Local 578's Education Committee for a free movie to start at Noon after the May 14, 2016 Membership. Everyone is welcome! We will be showing the movie, "Brothers on the Line," a documentary about the UAW. See the attached flyer for more information: drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bVPmyyWf4Ob2V1blRSNTJYU0E/view

Women's and Veterans Committee Scholarships Available

The Womens and Veterans Committees will be giving away two scholarships this year. Applications are now available for the 2016-2017 school year. Recipients must be enrolled in a program by the fall semester of 2016. Proof of enrollment must be provided before the scholarship will be issued, or the scholarship will be awarded to the next alternate enrolled in a program.

Applications must be postmarked by June 2, 2016 to be eliglble.

Please access the application by clicking the link below. Or contact a member of one of the committees to obtain an application. The applications are also available at the union hall.

Mike Andrew works at the Harrison Street plant of Oshkosh Corporation. Mike is battling stage 4 lung and bone cancer. Mike is from Eden, Wisconsin, and his diagnosis of cancer was quite sudden. We are asking for your support!

All money raised will help the family with medical bills and expenses. Thank you for your support!

Congratulations to our New Trustees!

Congratulations to Ron Patt and Jeff Martinez! They were voted in as new trustees on the Executive Board.

Website to Bid on Jobs

The union is aware that there has been problems with laid off employees accessing the website to bid on jobs. We received information from Ann Totos, Sr. Human Resources Coordinator at Oshkosh Defense, that the bidding system has been updated.

NOTE: The Oshkosh IT Help Desk will not be available to assist with this process.

To Union Brothers and Sisters

Employees are not being recalled to additions. Additions are posted for all of membership to bid on.

When additions are posted and it is your permanent job class and shift, you must bid on that position to return before the recall process takes place.

In Solidarity,

Local 578 Bargaining Committee

Membership Meeting

The first Membership Meeting of the new year is scheduled for Saturday, January 9, 2016. The meeting starts promptly at 9:00 a.m. Please attend your union meeting. Thank you.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Happy Holidays! Wishing you and yours a happy and prosperous New Year!

Bus Trip to Sheboygan Cancelled

The bus trip to Sheboygan scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2015 has been cancelled due to low interest. Brenda Hollatz, Vice President of UAW Local 578, will be at the JCPenney parking lot (2175 S. Koeller Street, Oshkosh, WI) at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2015 if anyone is interested in carpooling to Kohler.

The Veterans Committee and Womens Committee are raffling off a Remington #870 Express Pump 12 Gauge Shotgun. Tickets are $20.00 each. Only 100 tickets will be sold. The drawing for the winner will take place at the October 10, 2015 Membership Meeting at the union hall. Need not be present to win.

For tickets, contact: Frank Sanchez, Jr. at Harrison Street or at (920) 379-9500; Terry Miller at Oakwood or at (920) 312-8022; or Chris Nutt at South or at (920) 410-3125.

Winner must pass federal background check.

Happy Independence Day 2015!

UAW Local 578 wants to wish everyone a happy and safe July 4th holiday!

Union membership cards for 2015 will be mailed out in the next day or two. They should arrive sometime during the week of December 15, 2014. Please look for an envelope from UAW Local 578 to arrive soon.

REMINDER: Important Unemployment Information

1. Any employees who locked in their unemployment benefits prior to the June 14, 2014 layoff must call in and unlock their benefit year. Failure to do so may cause you to lose benefits.

2. After you unlock your old benefit year, then lock in a new benefit year. Call 1-800-822-5246.

3. All employees who may be affected by the uncoming layoff are urged to lock in their benefit year now.

2015 Gun A Week Calendars For Sale

The Women's Committee and Veterans Committee are selling 2015 Gun A Week Calendars to raise money for 2015 scholarships. Calendars are $30 each. Chance to win a gun every week all year long! Calendars are available at UAW Local 578 union hall, Terry MIller at Harrison Plant, Chris Nutt at South Plant and Thai Michael at E-Coat.

On October 9, 2014, the company told the union that it plans to cut 250 to 300 hourly positions starting in December 2014. In addition, 70 salaried positions will be eliminated. Read more >>>

Candidate Meet and Greet

Please join us for a Candidate Meet and Greet on Thursday, October 9, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. (meal provided) at UAW Local 578 Union Hall. Meet and talk with community members and candidates and their representatives running for office. This event is sponsored by the UAW Wisconsin Fox Valley Area CAP/PAC Council.

The membership meetings start up again this month. Be sure to attend the membership meeting this Saturday, September 13, 2014. The meeting starts at 9:00 a.m. at the union hall.

Job Transition Center Hours

The Job Transition Center is located at the UAW Local 578 union hall, 2920 Oregon Street, Oshkosh, WI 54904. Workers from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development are here to assist you with your job search needs, i.e. resume preparation, interviewing, etc.

Hours of operation are:

Monday thru Thursday -- 8:30 a.m. - 4:00
Friday – By appointment only

If you need immediate assistance, please call (920) 252-3216.

Update to Wausau Manufacturing Recruitment Event

Recruiting for experienced individuals for manufacturing positions from production to skilled welders. Wages range from $14 to $19.25 per hour. Recruitment date is July 10, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. at the Wausau Labor Temple, 318 3rd Avenue, Wausau, WI 54401. Click on this link to see the event flyer:

UAW Local 578 has been working closely with the Department of Workforce Development over the last couple of years. This collaboration has resulted in the creation of a Job Transition Center at the union hall. This is for the main purpose of assisting the members who have been and will be laid off from Oshkosh Corporation.

Workers from the Department of Workforce Development are available at the union hall if you need assistance.

Womens and Veterans Committee 2014 Scholarship Winners

Congratulations to the following scholarship winners: Kashena Van Asten and Ryan Winske.

Free T-Shirts

The Trustees will be at the Union Hall to pass out free t-shirts to members on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 and Thursday, June 5, 2014 from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Be sure to stop by and pick up a t-shirt on one of those days. One free t-shirt per member.

The local's triennium election for Executive Board officers was held on May 13, 2014. A run-off election was held on May 16, 2014 for the Recording Secretary and Chief Steward Member-at-Large positions. The results are in. Read more >>>

The Bargaining Committee has been working very diligently over the last couple months on a variety of topics. We are pleased to announce the following great news has happened as a result of this hard work. Read more >>>

To the entire Truck family, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude for all the support, prayers, visits over the past few weeks, and wonderful contributions. Read more >>>

Update on Ron Briese

Union brotrher Ron Briese passed away peacefully on April 30, 2014 with his family by his side. Visitation will be on Friday, May 2, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Fiss & Bills, 865 South Westhaven Drive, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. On Saturday, May 3, 2014, visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a service to follow at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 338 North Eagle Street, Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The news of a mass layoff is disheartening to say the least. As working families and community service, we all deserve better. The word has to get out as the old saying coined by Walter Reuther, "The ballot box affects the bread box." I urge us and our families (all of us) to constantly contact the elected officials in your area and demand attention to the problems we are facing. Read more >>>

Questions and answers regarding locking in an unemployment claim before being laid off. Read more >>>

Womens and Veterans Committee 2014 Scholarships

Applications are now available for the 2014-2015 school year. This year we will be giving away two scholarships. Recipients must be enrolled in a program by the fall semester of 2014. Proof of enrollment must be provided before the scholarship will be issued, or the scholarship will be awarded to the next alternate enrolled in a program.

Applications need to be postmarked by April 19, 2014 to be eligible.

Please contact a member of the Womens or Veterans Committee to obtain an application. In addition, the application is available at the UAW Local 578 union hall.

The Fox River Valley Area UAW Community Action Program Council has established an annual scholarship award in memory of Elkar Zarnott. The annual scholarship award will be in the amount of $500.00 to be given to an eligible student to assist with the continuation of education in any accredited university, college, technical or trade school. Application blanks and instructions for this scholarship award are attached or can be obtained from UAW Local 578. All applications must be submitted and on file with the Scholarship Committee on or before April 25, 2014. Read more >>>

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays to the membership of UAW Local 578 and their families! (See full size picture of this greeting under Postings.)

*** IMPORTANT MAILING ***

A mailing will be going on the week of December 23, 2013. Please do not toss when you receive it. This mailing contains your 2014 membership card.